At the time we just heard the Pirates linked to Wilson, but this news from Nightengale obviously boosts the interest level. In those cases where a team is watching someone, you never know the actual interest. I still wouldn’t say it’s a guarantee that the Pirates get Wilson, but at least now it seems like it could be a strong possibility, and we know that they’re going after him stronger than other teams.

UPDATE 5:26 PM: Steve Gilbert, who covers the Diamondbacks for MLB.com, says he hears the Diamondbacks aren’t in on Wilson.

UPDATE 8:25 PM:Scott Miller of CBS Sports says the Pirates and the Giants are both “serious suitors” for Wilson. He also says the Diamondbacks and Dodgers have shown interest, although based on the above reports, the Diamondbacks don’t seem to be in it. Miller quotes scouts and people close to Wilson who say he is getting close and that he feels major league ready.

Miller also says that Wilson wants to land with a contender and has an affinity for Los Angeles, which could help the Dodgers in their pursuit.

UPDATE 10:25 PM: Jim Bowden of ESPN narrows it down to Pittsburgh, Los Angeles and San Francisco as the leaders for Brian Wilson. The tweet goes along with other reports of the three teams being among Wilson’s top options.

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Tim Williams

Tim is the owner and editor in chief of Pirates Prospects. He started the site in January 2009, and turned it into his full time job during the 2011 season. Prior to starting Pirates Prospects, Tim worked with AccuScore.com, providing MLB, NHL, and NFL coverage to various national media outlets, including ESPN Insider, USA Today, Yahoo Sports, and the Wall Street Journal. He also writes the annual Prospect Guide, which is sold through the site. Tim lives in Bradenton, where he provides live coverage all year of Spring Training, mini camp, instructs, the Bradenton Marauders, and the GCL Pirates.

yeah the beard game has been about a 40 since McGehee left. that loss of that manhood is what caused the Collapse V 2.0.

But seriously, if there’s even a chance that having a vet guy like Wilson guide the youngins into being playoff warriors, it’s worth a few million dollar gamble.

We obviously weren’t there at the scouting outing, but as long as the reports are good and he’s 85% of what he was pre-surgery, he should be a nice little pickup. especially when you consider that the O’s gave up Delmonico for KRod.

Jason

Without knowing the cost or seeing Wilson throw first hand, I’m generally in favor of this potential acquisition. He has been excellent in the past, has high-leverage situation experience, and the cost would be purely dollars, as opposed to prospects.

http://www.facebook.com/bryan.graham.773 Bryan Graham

I would love to see them get the “Beard”, he would definitely keep the clubhouse and bullpen loose and if he can be close to his former self could shorten the game to 6 innings basically if Grilli comes back

smurph

You have a 5 man rotation in the regular season, but usually go to a 4-man (or even 3) in the playoffs, so you have more pitchers in the pen and play the matchup game a little more because every game counts much, much more. I guess you could move Cole to the pen, but wouldn’t it be nice to have another arm in that bullpen? Like Bryan said, if you have the lead in the 6th inning you can almost put it in the book.

jg941

Ugh. 91-92 fastball? Two TJ’s? I certainly hope the FO is working on addressing the team’s actual issues, and is not getting distratced by “luxuries” like this.

NH……..Focus.

https://profiles.google.com/116255365477483987850 jalcorn

I would argue that RH relief is an actual need. Morris has been over this head on paper all year (5.00 FIP) and Mazzaro is well, Mazarro. Raise your hand if you really trust either of those two with a key 1 run lead in the 8th inning. Its too bad Crain got hurt or he would have been a really nice fit. I’m all for the gamble on a one year, rebuild value type, cheap contract.

The way I see it we need a RHRP and a RF (or at least a better platoon guy). I wonder what Sabean wants for Pence?

moose7195

What’s wrong with throwing low 90s, Jeanmar Gomez throws that and he has been one of the better pitchers on this team. And TJ surgery doesn’t mean his career is over, Morton has been pretty good after his TJ surgery. Wilson has playoff experience and doesn’t need to dominate for this team. What could it hurt? Bring him in

PS. I’ve read that he was going easy in that pitching exhibition, and Wilson thinks he could still get up to 94-95 in game situations

http://www.facebook.com/jeremy.j.stein.3 Jeremy J Stein

So is this going to be the rally cry of the nay-sayers if a big name right fielder isn’t aquired at the trade deadline?
.
NH got distracted by ….. Brian Wilson?
.
Riiiiight.

emjayinTN

jg: But the hitters will know it is Brian Wilson? No, I do not think that will work. Too many young kids to give an opportunity to a guy who may have had his best years three or four years ago.

CalipariFan506

Qualls and Takahashi over Morris and Justin Wilson last August.

We don’t need Brian Morris over Black or Welker this August.

moose7195

Tell me black beard the Pirate wouldn’t be the greatest promotion the Bucs could dream of

Skipperron

he could run in from the pen with smoking strips if cloth tied into his beard like real pirates did going into battle

http://www.facebook.com/jeremy.j.stein.3 Jeremy J Stein

Hehe, I didn’t know real pirates did that.

jaygray007

someone said the DBacks were willing to deal Ian Kennedy in order to clear room for Peavy. If the pirates can’t get Peavy, I think Kennedy would be a fantastic buy low option.

CalipariFan506

Kubel might be the RF too. Reminds me of Ludwick but a lefty.

https://profiles.google.com/107500598404660809214 Kerry Writtenhouse

I’d rather go after Parra.

CalipariFan506

Again Parra isn’t available according to any source. It’s tough to trade for a guy who simply isn’t on the market.

http://www.facebook.com/bryan.graham.773 Bryan Graham

Well, with the Dodgers and their unlimited spending ability as one of the last suitors I doubt we get Wilson. If they really want him, they will have him.